The Joy of Driving: Annapolis to Bethany Beach

Summer days call for sun, sand and surf. With the endless beach options on the East Coast, it's a task to choose the perfect one to hit for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Nonetheless, if you're located in the heart of Maryland, there isn't anything better than Bethany Beach, Delaware. The beautiful seaside town is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Annapolis, Maryland.

The Routes

To start with, there are two routes one can take to get to Bethany Beach, Delaware. The most commonly travelled route is via Route 50 and Route 404. This route will take you directly towards your destination, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is the longest route that's over 100 miles. The second route is via Route 1, which is the more scenic route along the coastline, but there is a good chance you could end up on the bad side of traffic on busy summer days.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

If you're all about reaching your destination the fastest way possible, then Route 50 is perfect for you. While it's the longest route, it can get you to Bethany Beach in under two hours and twenty minutes. On the other hand, if you are looking for a leisurely ride along the coast, Route 1 is a beautiful option, but you must remember that it's the slowest route and you'll be driving for three hours and thirty minutes.

The Distance and Traffic

If you're travelling on Route 50, you will be covering a distance of 111 miles to get to Bethany Beach, and it mostly depends on the traffic. During the low traffic time, which is usually weekdays morning and afternoon, it'll take you under two hours to reach your destination. However, when the traffic peaks during the summer season, the journey can extend up to three hours or more.

The Best Time to Drive

If you're opting for the more scenic Route 1, you'll be covering 133 miles, and this route can get busy, especially on summer weekends. Therefore if you're driving during peak traffic times – on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays – it can take you as long as four hours. However, if it's a weekday, then it'll take you under three hours to reach your destination.

Conclusion

No matter which route you may opt for, it always comes down to the time you're travelling and the traffic patterns. Therefore, if you have a flexible schedule, it's best to drive early in the morning to avoid the busy traffic hours. This way, you can enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about getting stuck in traffic. Whether you take the longer but quicker Route 50 or opt for Route 1's scenic beauty, the joy of driving and the thrill of the beach will be worth it.